Recorded as the second costliest transfer of a right back, the deal involves a significant outlay.
Manchester United Secure Benjamin Sesko for €85 Million
Manchester United have agreed to a transfer deal with RB Leipzig for the acquisition of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko. The deal, reported to be worth around €85 million ($98.8 million), includes potential bonuses and add-ons[1][2][3][4].
The initial transfer fee is estimated to be around €75 million (£65 million / $87 million), with an additional €10 million (£7.36 million / $11.8 million) in achievable performance-related bonuses[1][3][4]. The agreement also includes a sell-on clause and a future friendly match between the two clubs.
Sesko, who joined RB Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023 for around €24 million, has been compared to striker sensation Erling Haaland. In his time with RB Leipzig, he scored 27 goals and assisted 7 times in the Bundesliga, and was successful 6 times in the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal[1][4].
The bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle United drove up the purchase price for Sesko to more than €80 million. RB Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schäfer, stated that economic conditions played a role in the transfer[1][4].
Josko Gvardiol, previously sold by RB Leipzig, holds the record for the most expensive sale with a reported fee of €91.5 million. Sesko's transfer to Manchester United, with the potential to reach €90 million through additional payments, places him as the second most expensive sale by RB Leipzig[1][4].
Sesko has signed a long-term contract with Manchester United until 2030, and will join a team that will play internationally, including in the Champions League, next season, as Newcastle United have secured a spot in the competition[1][4].
[1] BBC Sport: Manchester United agree deal to sign RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko [2] Sky Sports: Manchester United agree deal for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko [3] The Guardian: Manchester United agree deal for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko [4] ESPN: Manchester United agree deal for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko
Sesko's record-breaking transfer to Manchester United places him as the second most expensive sale by RB Leipzig, with a potential transfer fee of €90 million. Next season, Sesko will join Manchester United, who will compete in European leagues such as the Premier League and the Champions League.
